Most plants must have light in order to grow.  If they go for very long without light, they lose their green color, quit growing, and wilt.  We know that plants need good soil, water and sunshine.  Cultivating and nurturing plants are crucial.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah promises that just as the rain makes the land blossom, so, too, will God’s word be fruitful.  “Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, make it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Is 55:10-11.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of seeds falling in three different places: on the pathway – people who fail to understand the message of salvation; among rocks – people who have a zeal to live according to Gospel values but at the first sign of trouble abandon their faith; on good soil – people receive the Gospel and cultivate and nurture it in their lives.

If you are far away from your faith, know that God is looking for you.  Jesus came to the world to seek those who are lost.  God is like a farmer.  Of course, the farmer wantsto sow his seedonly on a good ground, so that it will be fruitful.  The sower does not like to lose or waste the seeds.  They are the fruits of his work.  They are too precious for him.  Now, you can notice the beautiful cereal fields.  They are the fruits of the sower.  The sower is filled with joy that his works produce fruit.  We are to hear and cultivate the word of God in our lives.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta used to say: “If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out.  To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.”  Our faith grows from the seeds of God’s love in our hearts.

Father Rafal Duda
Parochial Vicar